A Cup of Coffee and a Spot of Tea

Written by Lysel Maddex

A Cup of Coffee and a Spot of Tea

Written by Lysel Maddex

As the brisk January days lead into freezing January nights, stay warm with a steaming mug of cocoa, your favorite latte, or cup of tea. Whatever your drink of choice, it probably pairs best with a friend.

Photo credit: Jami Noone

Aroma Coffee House

Aroma Coffeehouse was started in 2022 by several friends from Ridgepoint Church. In addition to having one of the coziest cafes in town, Aroma also makes some of their own in-house syrups and pastries, and they partner with a local company to source their coffee beans. Becoming a comfortable stop for patrons to relax and stay warm isn't enough for Aroma: They also work with Naomi House and Himalayan Freedom Co to support women in Thailand and Nepal, so buying a warm beverage goes a long way. Their drinks are crafted to perfection and the chic cafe will make it feel as if time is standing still while you enjoy a lazy afternoon.

 

Coffee Daze

In a word, effervescent. Coffee Daze was started in 2022 by Tiffany Tran in College Hill. It seems to always be filled with patrons and for good reason. They have a variety of coffee options, pastries and sandwiches. Coffee Daze partners with other local businesses to source some of their products. If you’re looking for a joyful and energetic space to hang out with friends and sip a perfectly foamy latte, Coffee Daze is the place to be.

 

Milkfloat

Taking their name from the history of milk deliveries, Milkfloat in Delano boasts incredible pastries and desserts, crafted coffees and Italian sodas. Rotating through exciting flavors they will always have something new and amazing. Try one of their flavored lattes or, for a nice contrast, pair a perfectly balanced black coffee with a sweet dessert. 

 

Reverie Roasters

Reverie Roasters is one of the few coffee shops that roasts their own beans, and it’s part of what makes their products so unique. Like Coffee Daze and other cafes in town, Reverie partners with local businesses for items like produce, milk, flour — and even kombucha! Reverie’s interior offers a warm, cozy and inviting environment. The only problem is that, once you’re sitting with a deliciously frothy drink and giant croissant, you won’t be able to leave.

 

Cocoa Dolce

Cocoa Dolce is the pinnacle of chocolate shops; starting 20 years ago in Wichita, it has become a classic in town. The chocolates are all made in a local factory and distributed to their shops across town, Cocoa Dolce truffles are a game changer. It will only stand to reason that with the ability to make the most incredible chocolates, they would make unbeatable hot chocolate. Cocoa Dolce’s hot chocolate is perfectly rich, creamy and frothy, plus a thick and decadent drinking chocolate. The warmth of their three cafe locations, combined with the velvety truffles and hot chocolate always makes it worth the visit.

Photo courtesy The French Tearoom

The French Tearoom

The French Tearoom is unlike anything else in the Wichita area. It provides an elegant yet simple experience to anyone who crosses the threshold of this idyllic house. Founder Mariama Beemer says her intention is for guests to be able to pause, breathe and feel cared for. Beemer visited a teashop in London, and the beautiful life moment she had there inspired her to eventually open The French Tearoom in Wichita. She hopes it allows people to have their own simple, yet meaningful, moment. The French Tearoom is available by reservation for their monthly themed afternoon teas or to rent for a private event. 

 

Paris Bagette

The black-and-white floral tile, the chevron bistro chairs, the rows of glass cases filled with pastries and cakes. It's hard to say what catches your eye first when you step into Paris Baguette, but once you're there, the fresh-baked croissants and sweet smells will immediately lift your spirit. You'll truly feel you left Wichita and stepped into a European cafe. Order whichever pastry catches your eye, a cup of cocoa, and settle in for a deliciously sweet afternoon. 


Leaf Teahouse

Leaf Teahouse is another homegrown Wichita establishment. It’s the perfect spot to find milk tea, smoothies, fruit tea and other cold drinks. It started as a dream and a drink stand in a restaurant and grew to the beautiful cafe it is today. Leaf Teahouse has an abundance of flavors to choose from. If you haven’t been in a few months, it’s worth another visit as both the decor and specialty drinks change seasonally.

 

The Spice Merchant

Not everyone enjoys going out to cafes, some enjoy the simplicity of brewing at home. For those folks, The Spice Merchant & Co is the answer. The Spice Merchant is over 30 years old and resides, in part, in the old Mentholatum Company building from decades ago. The full history behind both the Spice Merchant and Mentholatum are well worth the investigation. For now, an encouragement to go explore the hundreds of options available at The Spice Merchant is enough. They roast their own coffee in addition to providing a large variety of tea, spices and other herbs and food.

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